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fizzah 's review for:
Northanger Abbey
by Jane Austen
Why isn't this book more popular? I can't help but compare it to its famous sibling [b:Pride and Prejudice|1885|Pride and Prejudice|Jane Austen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320399351l/1885._SY75_.jpg|3060926] and remark that Northanger Abbey covers far more themes with a much more lively protagonist, while being unmistakably written by Jane Austen in witty style and content (e.g. revelations at the male lead's estate, a bibliophilic heroine, misunderstandings that clear up at the end). Furthermore, while Pride and Prejudice lacks imagery, Northanger Abbey is quite visual and descriptive. I could imagine the weather, the fashion, and the abbey with phrases like "blue trimmings" and "cheerful blaze of a wood fire."
Supposedly it's a satire of the Gothic novel, but it could easily be a comedy. I found myself smiling in every chapter, whether it was the banter between Henry and Catherine, Catherine's father calling her "almost pretty," or Catherine jumping to conclusions about General Tilney. Catherine is such a relatable character. She feels awkward at not knowing anyone at the ball, feels helpless and suspicious about Isabella's behavior, and her desperate attempts to become closer to the Tilney's are always foiled by the Thorpe's or her own clumsiness. She gets embarrassed by her silly assumptions, romanticization of life, and overactive imagination from reading too many novels, but it only serves to strengthen her intuition about people as she comes of age. She cries, admonishes herself, has yearnings and fantasies. Her palpable emotions and mistakes make her a fun, endearing, and youthful protagonist, reflecting Austen's age at the time she wrote it (her early 20's, a decade and a half before P&P).
Similarly, Henry is a great male lead who breaks many stereotypes; He reads novels which were considered fluffy female entertainment at the time, and understands fashion and fabric, often purchasing gowns for his sister. He is down-to-earth and gentle even when Catherine offends him, and humble, traveling to her home to apologize for his own family.
As someone who found it difficult to get through Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist, I highly recommend Northanger Abbey if you want to begin your foray into classics but find them an immeasurable bore. (The movie is not bad either!)
Supposedly it's a satire of the Gothic novel, but it could easily be a comedy. I found myself smiling in every chapter, whether it was the banter between Henry and Catherine, Catherine's father calling her "almost pretty," or Catherine jumping to conclusions about General Tilney. Catherine is such a relatable character. She feels awkward at not knowing anyone at the ball, feels helpless and suspicious about Isabella's behavior, and her desperate attempts to become closer to the Tilney's are always foiled by the Thorpe's or her own clumsiness. She gets embarrassed by her silly assumptions, romanticization of life, and overactive imagination from reading too many novels, but it only serves to strengthen her intuition about people as she comes of age. She cries, admonishes herself, has yearnings and fantasies. Her palpable emotions and mistakes make her a fun, endearing, and youthful protagonist, reflecting Austen's age at the time she wrote it (her early 20's, a decade and a half before P&P).
Similarly, Henry is a great male lead who breaks many stereotypes; He reads novels which were considered fluffy female entertainment at the time, and understands fashion and fabric, often purchasing gowns for his sister. He is down-to-earth and gentle even when Catherine offends him, and humble, traveling to her home to apologize for his own family.
As someone who found it difficult to get through Jane Eyre and Oliver Twist, I highly recommend Northanger Abbey if you want to begin your foray into classics but find them an immeasurable bore. (The movie is not bad either!)